Public Education

FIRE SAFETY HOUSE – TO SCHEDULE CALL 574-255-5075 and ask for DC Al Kirsits – or email him at 574-255-5075

Fire safety on wheels! This mobile trailer contains a kitchen, living room and bedroom. A smoke machine creates a fire simulation within which children can practice fire evacuation techniques. The house features smoke alarms and a phone to call 911. Schools and organizers of large community events can request the presence of the mobile fire safety house.

Understanding the nature of fire injuries and fatalities for different age groups is critical when planning fire safety education programs. An age and cause approach is at the core of Penn Twps. fire safety education school program. Research shows that children as young as five are capable of learning lifesaving techniques, such as smoke alarm maintenance, safe cooking practices, home fire escape and the “don’t touch” approach for matches and lighters.

Fire safety educators conduct training and provide lectures and fire safety demonstrations in schools free of charge. Throughout the school year, fire safety educators are available to conduct classroom-to-classroom lectures. The classroom-to-classroom methodology, rather than a full-school assembly, is designed so children can have direct interaction with the educators.

Training sessions address the common causes of fire and fire injuries in the home, as well as provide information on how to prevent fires and what to do in case of fire.

The use of a fire extinguisher in the hands of a trained adult can be a life and property saving tool. However, a majority of adults have not had fire extinguisher training and may not know how and when to use them. Fire extinguisher use requires a sound decision making process and training on their proper use and maintenance.

FIRE EXTINGUISHER INFORMATION AND TRAINING – TO SCHEDULE CALL 574-255-5075 and ask for DC Al Kirsits – or email him at 574-255-5075

1. What type of fire extinguisher is needed?

Different types of fires require different types of extinguishers. For example, a grease fire and an electrical fire require the use of different extinguishing agents to be effective and safely put the fire out.

Basically, there are five different types of extinguishing agents. Most fire extinguishers display symbols to show the kind of fire on which they are to be used.

Types of Fire Extinguishers

Class A extinguishers put out fires in ordinary combustible materials such as cloth, wood, rubber, paper, and many plastics.

Class B extinguishers are used on fires involving flammable liquids, such as grease, gasoline, oil, and oil-based paints.

Class C extinguishers are suitable for use on fires involving appliances, tools, or other equipment that is electrically energized or plugged in.

Class D extinguishers are designed for use on flammable metals and are often specific for the type of metal in question. These are typically found only in factories working with these metals.

Class K fire extinguishers are intended for use on fires that involve vegetable oils, animal oils, or fats in cooking appliances. These extinguishers are generally found in commercial kitchens, such as those found in restaurants, cafeterias, and caterers. Class K extinguishers are now finding their way into the residential market for use in kitchens.

There are also multi-purpose fire extinguishers – such as those labeled “B-C” or “A-B-C” – that can be used on two or more of the above type fires.

2. Is the fire at a point where it might still be controlled by a fire extinguisher?

Portable fire extinguishers are valuable for immediate use on small fires. They contain a limited amount of extinguishing material and need to be properly used so that this material is not wasted. For example, when a pan initially catches fire, it may be safe to turn off the burner, place a lid on the pan, and use an extinguisher. By the time the fire has spread, however, these actions will not be adequate. Only trained firefighters can safely extinguish such fires.

Use a fire extinguisher only if:

You have alerted other occupants and someone has called the fire department;

The fire is small and contained to a single object, such as a wastebasket;

You are safe from the toxic smoke produced by the fire;

You have a means of escape identified and the fire is not between you and the escape route; and

Your instincts tell you that it is safe to use an extinguisher.

If all of these conditions are not present, you should NOT try to use a fire extinguisher. Alert other occupants, leave the building following your home escape plan, go to the agreed upon meeting place, and call the fire department from a cell phone or a neighbor’s home.

3. Am I physically capable of using the extinguisher?

Some people have physical limitations that might diminish or eliminate their ability to properly use a fire extinguisher. People with disabilities, older adults, or children may find that an extinguisher is too heavy to handle or it may be too difficult for them to exert the necessary pressure to operate the extinguisher.

Maintenance

Fire extinguishers need to be regularly checked to ensure that:

The extinguisher is not blocked by furniture, doorways, or any thing that might limit access in an emergency.

The pressure is at the recommended level. Some extinguishers have gauges that indicate when the pressure is too high or too low.

All parts are operable and not damaged or restricted in any way. Make sure hoses and nozzles are free of insects or debris. There should not be any signs of damage or abuse, such as dents or rust, on the extinguisher.

The outside of the extinguisher is clean. Remove any oil or grease that might accumulate on the exterior.

Additionally:

Shake dry chemical extinguishers once a month to prevent the powder from settling or packing. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Pressure test the extinguisher (a process called hydrostatic testing) after a number of years to ensure that the cylinder is safe to use. Find out from the owner’s manual, the label, or the manufacturer when an extinguisher may need this type of testing.

Immediately replace the extinguisher if it needs recharging or is damaged in any way.

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Jefferson Road FireC-Shift Squad 13, Squad 14, Medic 13, Battalion 5, Clay Engine 25, Medic 24, Mishawaka Engine 4 and Battalion 1 responded to the 11000 block of Jefferson Road for the well-involved house fire. In the Mishawaka area, crews battled a fully involved house fire Saturday. It broke out on the 11000 block of Jefferson Road just before 9 p.m. Multiple departments responded. Fire crews on scene told WSBT 22 the home appeared to be abandoned and they found no one inside. ... See MoreSee Less